The Best E-Bike Helmets Out There

As more people opt for e-bikes instead of traditional bicycles, there is a growing need for safety gear suited for them. Helmets are undoubtedly an essential piece of safety equipment, and riders need a helmet that offers high-performance protection for increased e-bike speeds while still being stylish and comfortable. 

Higher e-bike speeds create the potential for higher-risk scenarios on the road. It’s not just the speed that’s of concern, though. How about riding at night? How about changing your daily mode of transportation to reduce your carbon footprint? Keeping up with city traffic is great for short commutes, but biking at night or amongst motor vehicles puts riders in a dangerous position. So how can you ensure your safety and still reap the benefits of e-bikes? Bern helmets offer the perfect solution, providing helmets equipped with just about every safety feature on the market - all while bringing you the comfort and style you deserve to help you stay out there. The Hudson is an especially great choice with an NTA 8776 safety certification making it safe up to speeds of 45 km/h.

What to Consider When Buying an E-Bike Helmet

Regardless of the brand or style of bike helmet you consider, there are some essential considerations to make before your purchase.

Protection  

Traditionally, helmets used an expandable foam on the interior with a hard polycarbonate shell on the exterior - which was designed to crack upon impact. This was meant to soften the blow, letting the outer shell absorb most of the shock from the collision. The primary downfall of these designs was the one-and-done use after a significant impact. While some companies still use this technology today, many are beginning to implement different systems and materials to stand out from the competition. Before you decide on a helmet, try multiple systems and technologies to choose the helmet that’s best for you. The following safety technologies are common in new-age bike helmets:

• Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) 
• This technology utilizes a low friction layer that redirects the force of an impact from a specific location on the helmet, reducing rotational motion to the brain.
  

• WaveCel
• A honeycombed-shaped liner creates an advanced “crumple zone” to absorb primary impact forces that commonly result in head injuries.

• Shearing Pads Inside Technology (SPIN)
• Helmets that use this technology utilize silicone injected pads that let the inner structure of the helmet move to reduce the overall force of impact. 

Size and Comfort

The size of your bike helmet has a significant effect on the overall safety it provides - this should be the first and most important consideration when deciding on a helmet. All of the bells and whistles in the world won’t protect you if the helmet simply does not fit properly. To determine the correct size, you should first measure the circumference of your head with a soft measuring tape. Measure the widest portion of your head, which is usually just above your eyebrows. If you don’t have a measuring tape, simply wrap a string around the same area and then lay the string flat against a measuring stick. Once you have a measurement, compare the length against the manufacturer’s guidelines to determine your helmet size. 

Bern’s sizing is as follows:

• Small: 52-55.5 cm
• Medium:55.5-59 cm
• Large: 59-61.5 cm

While safety remains the most critical feature for a bike helmet, comfort should also play a significant role in your decision. Whether a helmet uses expandable bands, elastic, foam, or pads, you should choose a helmet with the best balance between comfort and fit. 

Features and Accessories

Today, there are accessories to enhance the safety of bike helmets in just about every way imaginable. The following features can be found standard on top-of-the-line bike helmets and include:

• Enhanced Ventilation Systems
• Removable, Fabric Flip Visors 
• Reflective Mirrors
• LED Lights
• Seasonal Fabrics

It’s common for these features to be sold as separate attachments, making it easy to mix and match your accessories depending on how you’re using the helmet at the time. Consider which accessories you may find helpful, and choose a helmet that allows you to include them in the future. 

Why Choose Bern Helmets?

With over 15 years of experience in supplying the biking and outdoor sporting communities with safety gear, Bern has become a pillar in the industry, setting a standard for everything from urban biking to snow and water sports. Using innovative technologies to focus on style and safety, we offer products built around functionality, safety, comfort, and street style. Bern uses the following features throughout our line of helmets.

1. Compass Fit Technology - This technology allows the most straightforward process you could hope for in the helmet-fitting process. Simply put the helmet on, twist the knob for the perfect fit, and you’re off.
2. Integrated Light - Stay visible in low light conditions using our integrated rechargeable LED light, compatible with the Hudson and Watts 2.0. Our light  remains active on a single charge for up to 10 hours, is water-resistant, and comes with three settings for various situations - Steady, flash, and pulse.
3. Multi-Directional Impact Protection System - MIPS is one of the leading technologies in bike helmets to protect against severe head injuries on the road.
   
4. U-Lock Vents - Vents at the back of the Hudson helmet are U-Lock compatible, keeping your helmet safe and secure when not in use.

While all of our bike helmets will keep you safe and comfortable on your e-bike, we recommend checking out our Hudson Bike Helmet and the Watts 2.0 Bike Helmet. Both of these lids are versatile, comfortable, and conducive to high-speed bikes across urban and rural environments. Wherever your e-bike takes you, we’ve got a helmet that will help you stay out there.